2-982-329 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Inauguration of a Russian Gun at Seaham Harbour, near Sunderland, 1858. Unveiling of a cannon captured by the British during the Crimean War. The ceremony took place '...in the presence of two thousand of the principal inhabitants of Seaham and neighbourhood. The interesting trophy-a 36-pounder, weighing 66½ cwt. - was erected on a stone pedestal and placed in the centre of "The Green," which has been laid out as a public promenade, and faces the sea. Near to the spot was erected a platform for the accommodation of Lady Londonderry and her visitors, who arrived shortly after one o'clock - the Earl and Countess Vane, Lord Ravensworth, Lord A. Vane Tempest, the Countess of Portarlington, and the Misses Longley arriving first in an omnibus-carriage drawn by four greys, and followed by a second carriage in which was Lady Londonderry and the Bishop of Durham. Having ascended the platform, Lady Londonderry stepped to the front, and gave the signal for displaying the gun, which was covered by a large naval ensign. At this moment her Ladyship's private band struck up "God Save the Queen," and a salute of twenty-one guns was fired by the coast-guard men. This was followed by loud cheering...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.